How a Restorative Dentist Can Restore Your Teeth

If you have dental issues that have made you less confident in your smile, you should consider consulting with a restorative dentist. The dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know how to restore the look of your teeth and, ultimately, your confidence in your smile. Continue reading to find out what restorative dental procedures the dentist might recommend to enhance your smile.

Restorative dentistry procedures

The following are treatment options from a restorative dentist to repair the teeth:

Dental fillings for cavities

If the dentist finds a cavity, the decaying tooth substance will need to be removed first. After that, the hole is plugged with amalgam or composite resin. Composite fillings are popular among adult patients because they resemble the color of their natural tooth enamel. The restorative dentist usually recommends white fillings for front teeth that are visible when smiling or speaking. On the other hand, amalgam fillings are long-lasting and robust enough to be used for rear teeth. After the dentist removes the cavity, the filling restores the tooth to its original state.

Dental crowns

The whole visible part of your tooth above the gum line is covered with a dental crown. Otherwise called a "tooth cap" by patients. If the tooth is brittle due to a big filling or numerous dental treatments, the dentist may suggest a porcelain crown. Crowns are also an option for teeth that are badly stained.

The dentist will remove enough enamel at the initial visit to make space for the crown. After that, they will take dental impressions and forward them to a facility where the tooth crown will be created. The temporary crown will be replaced with the permanent crown and cemented into place when patients return for a second appointment.

Dental bridges

As the name implies, these "bridge" the gap between the smile after losing a tooth. A dental bridge is made up of an artificial tooth held in place by crowns on both sides. Patients must have healthy natural teeth or dental implants on both sides of the gap created by the lost tooth to be a good candidate for dental bridges.

Dentures

Dentures may be an option if patients have lost multiple teeth. Dentures are removable teeth that make it possible to eat and talk as if the teeth were never lost. The dentist may suggest full or partial dentures, depending on how many natural teeth are still present on the jaw. Dentures may help maintain quality of life following tooth loss, even if it might take some time to adjust to having them.

Dental implants

Patients who have recently lost a tooth should discuss the possibility of getting dental implants with the dentist. A dental implant is a titanium rod placed into the jawbone and functions similarly to a natural tooth root to support an abutment and crown. Many patients choose dental implants because they resemble natural teeth in appearance and feel.